Sparkling tanks?

[adamfinke]

My 90g reef has been setup for almost a year. I have seen such clean and sparkling tanks here. Mine has always had debris floating around in it.
Maybe its just I can't seeit in the pics and videos that I have seen. So what can a person do to get there tank so clear? I will try to get some pics or a video of my setup on here tomarrow.

Thank you
Adam

 

[scooterc268]

They use mechanical filtration of some sort. Rather it be filter socks or block foam. However, "stuff" floating around could be caused from small particles of sand blowing around from power-heads to a calcium imbalance causing it to participate in the water column.


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[eagle]

Hi Adam, I use a diatom filter often to keep the water crystal clear. I've never seen a filter that will polish water like a diatom. Even removes parasites. I try to keep detritus siphoned up as much as possible. And I have used ozone in the past to keep the sparkling clear water.

 

[jt17]

My lps like it when there's stuff floating around in the water. When we have company over and I want the tank to sparkle, I change the filter sock out a day before to a 50 micron sock. I usually run a 200 micron sock cause my tank is mostly lps and they prefer it no so clean.
Much of the cloudiness i had in my tank was from micro bubbles so i added a small filter sock over my skimmer output. This helps trap micro bubbles but this can fill with debris causing the skimmer level to rise so run a dry skim if you try It. Baffles in the sump help remove micro bubbles also especially with some filter sponge I between them. Hope this helps.

 

[Zack]

Filter sock was my vote too, do you use one?

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[fener103]

I use a filter sock and a sponge before the last stage in by sump. Change and rinse them atleast once a week

 

[SamsReef]

If you are referring to water coloration, there are three primary ways to achieve:
- use of GAC...you should change monthly...works just fine. all of them work fine. pick one which is not very messy.
- use of UV. No negative side effects, does an decent job. upfront cost and space in/around the sump.
- Use of Ozone. constant monitoring and introduces several variables. recommended only for experts who are bored and need something else to do.

Second is suspended particles. The way that I achieve this thru a long area of low flow in my sump with lots of filter feeders and live rock. any particle suspended in the water column drops off. Filter socks requires constant attention and hence is a no no for me. I do use filter socks ones in a while to clean my DT.

Just my 2 cents.

Sam

 

[adamfinke]

Is the Diatom something I put in a filter sock and just set it in my sump?

Hi Adam, I use a diatom filter often to keep the water crystal clear. I've never seen a filter that will polish water like a diatom. Even removes parasites. I try to keep detritus siphoned up as much as possible. And I have used ozone in the past to keep the sparkling clear water.

 

[adamfinke]

Thanks I will order me a couple filter socks of different micron.

My lps like it when there's stuff floating around in the water. When we have company over and I want the tank to sparkle, I change the filter sock out a day before to a 50 micron sock. I usually run a 200 micron sock cause my tank is mostly lps and they prefer it no so clean.
Much of the cloudiness i had in my tank was from micro bubbles so i added a small filter sock over my skimmer output. This helps trap micro bubbles but this can fill with debris causing the skimmer level to rise so run a dry skim if you try It. Baffles in the sump help remove micro bubbles also especially with some filter sponge I between them. Hope this helps.

 

[adamfinke]

Sorry stupid question whats a GAC? I have looked into the UV and would like to add one to my setup.
Thanks

If you are referring to water coloration, there are three primary ways to achieve:
- use of GAC...you should change monthly...works just fine. all of them work fine. pick one which is not very messy.
- use of UV. No negative side effects, does an decent job. upfront cost and space in/around the sump.
- Use of Ozone. constant monitoring and introduces several variables. recommended only for experts who are bored and need something else to do.

Second is suspended particles. The way that I achieve this thru a long area of low flow in my sump with lots of filter feeders and live rock. any particle suspended in the water column drops off. Filter socks requires constant attention and hence is a no no for me. I do use filter socks ones in a while to clean my DT.

Just my 2 cents.

Sam

 

[kschweer]

GAC stands for "Granular Activated Carbon". I personally like to use a high quality "pelletized activated carbon" this is personal preference, however in my opinion the PAC is cleaner and easier to use.

 

[adamfinke]

Well here are a couple pics of my filter setup is you wanted to see what I have. I do run a pre filter in my overflow and one where the skimmer return chamber. I think I may add a filter sock where my refgium returns this might help.

 

[adamfinke]

Thanks everyone, The pics were when it was just installed not that clean any more.

 

[adamfinke]

You just put that in a filter media bag and put it in your sump?

GAC stands for "Granular Activated Carbon". I personally like to use a high quality "pelletized activated carbon" this is personal preference, however in my opinion the PAC is cleaner and easier to use.

 

[kschweer]

Nice looking sump setup. I personally would recommend a carbon reactor if not both carbon and GFO (granular ferric oxide) which removes phosphates. The carbon will help with water clarity.

 

[kschweer]

As far as reactors go check out bulk reef supply. They have a bunch of different ones. I personally use one like this http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-gfo-carbon-reactor-single.html

 

[adamfinke]

Hey thanks alot for the information. Tax time is comming up so I need to make a list. Thanks Again.

As far as reactors go check out bulk reef supply. They have a bunch of different ones. I personally use one like this BRS GFO & Carbon Reactor - Single - Bulk Reef Supply

 

[eagle]

Hi again adam. A diatom filter uses diatomaceous earth powder. The only diatom filters on the market that i know of are made by vortex. http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=5qSwcD4qKZA&desktop_uri=/watch?v=5qSwcD4qKZA

They are cumbersome and not the best design by far. But really do a great job of cleaning. They aren't a 24/7 filter. Just maintenance. I use mine maybe once a month or so. If it didn't clean the water so pristine i'd prolly chuck it across the yard lol.

 

[3Twinklets]

I use filter floss in one section of my sump.

 

[Bootstrap]

I've got foam from my fuge to the return works pretty well

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